Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Romania Destroys Marine Drone Near Neptun Deep Gas Project
Romania found a marine drone close to a large gas project in the Black Sea.
The country sent F-16 fighter jets to destroy it.
Officials said this was done to protect hundreds of workers and important energy equipment.
Ukraine said the drone was not from its military.
Romania’s president accused Russia of being responsible, but the defence minister did not identify the drone’s origin.
Earlier, divers had destroyed two other drones near the same project.
Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey are also clearing mines from Black Sea shipping routes.
The Neptun Deep project is expected to begin producing gas in 2027.
Romania scrambled F-16 fighter jets to destroy a marine drone near the Neptun Deep gas project in the Black Sea.
Defence Minister Radu Miruta said the drone was a few hundred metres from the project and posed a risk to workers and critical infrastructure.
Ukraine confirmed the drone did not belong to its forces, while President Nicusor Dan blamed Russia for the incident.
Earlier this month, Romanian army divers destroyed two Gerbera-type drones near Neptun Deep.
Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey have neutralised more than 150 mines drifting across Black Sea trade lanes.
- Who
- Romanian authorities, including Defence Minister Radu Miruta and President Nicusor Dan, responded to the drone; Ukraine said it was not Ukrainian.
- What
- A Romanian military operation destroyed a marine drone near the Neptun Deep offshore gas project.
- When
- Thursday, August 20; the report also refers to similar action earlier in the month.
- Where
- A few hundred metres from the Neptun Deep project in Romania’s Black Sea exclusive economic zone.
- Why
- Officials said the drone was destroyed to protect workers and secure critical energy infrastructure.
Romanian and Ukrainian Statements
Accusation of Russian Responsibility
Drone origin
Romanian and Ukrainian Statements
The defence minister did not state where the drone came from, while Ukraine confirmed that it was not operated by Ukrainian forces.
Accusation of Russian Responsibility
President Nicusor Dan attributed the incident to Russia and condemned what he described as intensified irresponsible incidents by the Russian Federation.
Security response
Romanian and Ukrainian Statements
Romania said destroying the drone was necessary to protect several hundred workers and secure critical infrastructure.
Accusation of Russian Responsibility
The incident is presented as part of a broader threat to Black Sea energy and trade routes involving drones and mines linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
- Project
- Neptun Deep, an offshore Black Sea gas project jointly owned by OMV Petrom and Romgaz.
- Military response
- Romania scrambled F-16 fighter jets to destroy the marine drone.
- Drone origin
- The defence minister did not identify its origin; Ukraine confirmed it did not belong to Ukrainian forces.
- Romanian position
- President Nicusor Dan blamed Russia and condemned what he called irresponsible incidents.
- Expected production
- Neptun Deep is expected to come online in 2027.
- Regional mine clearance
- Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey have neutralised more than 150 mines drifting across Black Sea trade lanes.